Cam Ward, Miami Hurricanes quarterback, set a new NCAA Division I record for career touchdown passes during the Pop-Tarts Bowl, despite Miami's narrow 42-41 loss to Iowa State. Ward threw three touchdowns in the first half, bringing his career total to 158. His decision to sit out the second half sparked discussions about his future in the NFL Draft.
In a thrilling display of college football prowess, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward made history during the Pop-Tarts Bowl by setting a new NCAA Division I record for career touchdown passes. Despite his record-breaking performance, Miami narrowly lost to Iowa State 42-41. Ward's decision to sit out the second half of the game has sparked discussions about his future prospects in the NFL.
Cam Ward's remarkable college career culminated in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, where he threw his 156th touchdown pass, breaking the previous NCAA Division I record held by Case Keenum. Ward finished the first half with three touchdown passes, bringing his career total to 158. His performance in the first half was instrumental in Miami's 31-28 lead at halftime. Ward's achievements have solidified his place among the top quarterbacks in NCAA history, with 18,189 career passing yards, making him third on the all-time list behind Keenum and Dillon Gabriel.
Ward's decision to sit out the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl has raised questions and sparked discussions among fans and analysts. With Miami leading at halftime, Ward's absence was unexpected, and Miami coach Mario Cristobal declined to provide specific reasons for the decision, stating that such discussions are kept private. Speculation suggests that Ward's choice was influenced by a desire to protect his draft stock and avoid injury, as he is projected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Miami's narrow loss in the Pop-Tarts Bowl capped a season that saw the Hurricanes finish with a 10-3 record. Despite leading the ACC for much of the season, Miami's late struggles, including a two-game losing streak, cost them a College Football Playoff berth. Looking ahead, the Hurricanes face uncertainties at the quarterback position, with Emory Williams expected to start next season. Coach Mario Cristobal emphasized the importance of evaluating all positions as Miami prepares for the next season, which will open with a game against Notre Dame.
Cam Ward's record-breaking performance in the Pop-Tarts Bowl has left a lasting impact on college football history, despite Miami's narrow loss to Iowa State. As Ward prepares for the NFL Draft, his decision to sit out the second half has sparked discussions about player safety and career management. Meanwhile, the Miami Hurricanes face a transitional period as they prepare for the next season with new challenges and opportunities.
""Just blessed, man. I think I've grown so much as a person this year, outside of football. This is the best team that I've been around. ... I was just blessed to be here."" - Cam Ward
""I think all meetings with players and decisions like that, we make them private and keep them private."" - Mario Cristobal